By examining important works of contemporary and canonical literature, this volume traces the history of youth gangs and their deleterious impact on modern society This volume explores one of the most volatile issues to affect young people. By focusing on the fictional representation of youth gangs, this work presents a unique perspective on this all too real phenomenon. The volume, organized chronologically and topically, begins with a powerful essay tracing the origins and developments of youth gangs from child labour, and the early days of the Wild West, to immigration gangs in 19th and 20th century America, through the modern urban conflicts often associated with race and socioeconomic disadvantages. The chapters, each introduced with a primary document, explore more fully and specifically the different types of gangs, identifying their time, place, struggles and demographic character such as the early gangs of New York City, prison gangs, Asian gangs, school gangs, African-American gangs and girl gangs. Each chapter presents analysis of one or more works of fiction in terms of its thematic message and for what light it sheds on the nature of the gang situation it depicts. The selected fiction examined includes works often found on assigned reading lists, for example The Chocolate War, The Outsiders and Lord of the Flies. Popular works such as Gangs of New York provide a historical perspective on early immigrant gangs while presenting timeless themes of identity struggles that resonate for young people everywhere. Part of the Exploring Social Issues through Literature series Each chapter is introduced with a pertinent primary document Covers more than 20 literary works including both classic and contemporary titles